Encapsulation Device for Emergency Drug Identification and Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved method to quickly identify and access emergency drugs, such as glucagon, which are often required in small quantities and have specific handling requirements, within drug delivery devices.
Innovation Solution
An encapsulation device for drug delivery devices, comprising a body and cap that securely encase the device, allowing easy identification and rapid access, without modifying existing auto-injector designs, and featuring a holder and cap remover for secure and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If emergency drugs are stored in standard drug delivery devices, then the device can be used, but the device cannot be quickly identified among other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the encapsulation device shell to enable quick visual identification of emergency drugs. Different colors indicate different drug types or emergency levels, allowing users to immediately locate the correct device without searching through multiple similar-looking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification function from the drug delivery function by adding a separate encapsulation device with identification features. This allows the drug delivery device to remain unchanged while the outer shell provides the identification capability, resolving the contradiction between maintaining standard device functionality and enabling quick identification.
2Reliability
If the encapsulation device is tightly sealed, then drug integrity is protected, but the device cannot be quickly accessed in an emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic cap removal mechanism where the cap can be quickly removed by pulling the tab in an emergency situation. The connection between the cap and body transitions from a secure locked state during storage to a easily separable state during use, allowing both tight sealing for protection and rapid access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is pre-equipped with a removable tab that facilitates quick removal. This preliminary preparation of the cap removal mechanism ensures that when an emergency occurs, the user can immediately access the device by simply pulling the tab, without needing to manipulate complex locking mechanisms.
3Strength
If the holder securely grips the drug delivery device, then the device is firmly retained, but the device cannot be easily removed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The holder employs a dynamic gripping mechanism with flexible arms that can adapt between a strong gripping state during normal storage and an easily releasable state when removal is needed. The flexible arms apply continuous retention force to securely hold the device, but can be quickly disengaged by applying slight outward pressure or pulling the device, resolving the contradiction between strong retention and easy removal.
Data Source
AI summary
An encapsulation device for use with a drug delivery device comprises a housing containing a syringe, wherein the encapsulation device comprises at least: a body and a cap, wherein the body has an inner surface forming a cavity configured to retain an end of an outer surface of the housing of the drug delivery device, and the cap has an inner surface forming a cavity configured to retain the opposite end of the drug delivery device, and, in an assembled state of the encapsulation device, the cap and the body are releasably interconnected with each other to encapsulate the drug delivery device.